Typology of drug abuse deaths in Hamburg.

Based on a multidisciplinary approach (social-scientific questionnaire and forensic-pathological investigations), a typology of the drug-related fatalities in Hamburg during the period from July 1991 to June 1992 was achieved. A distinction between 3 types of addicts is proposed. Each group represents a different consumption pattern: (1) the opioid type, (2) polyvalent-drug users, and (3) primary alcoholics.

Etiology of accidental/unexpected overdose in drug-induced deaths.

The life-threatening risk for drug addicts is the accidental/unexpected overdose (in Germany mostly caused by opiates). The problem of drug addiction, which encompasses all aspects of the individual's life, is accompanied by the additional negative reinforcement of the permanent danger of a sudden fatal outcome. The causes for an accidental fatal intoxication originate from the different qualities of heroin, the reduced tolerance of the body and carelessness in consuming drugs.